Goronyo Dam: Insecurity Cripples Key Project, Food Crisis Looms in Sokoto

Insecurity has brought activities at Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State to a standstill, posing a serious threat to food security in the region. The Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abubakar Malam, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists after a visit by officials from the Sokoto State Ministry of Water Resources and other stakeholders.

Malam explained that worsening insecurity and lack of funding have severely disrupted irrigation operations across the four states under the Authority’s jurisdiction. Goronyo Dam, a vital source of irrigation and drinking water for millions in Sokoto, has been particularly affected. Persistent attacks and threats have forced contractors to withdraw since June, discouraged farmers from returning, and compelled staff to work remotely for safety.

“People can no longer stay there due to insecurity. Contractors pulled out their private security, farmers are too scared to come back, and even our staff cannot live at the dam,” Malam said. He warned that the situation could have devastating consequences if not urgently addressed.

To restore stability, the Authority is prepared to hand over its 50 housing units at the Goronyo staff colony to security personnel to help secure the area and encourage farmers to resume work.

Malam also pointed out wider challenges, including inadequate funding for Water Users Associations and abandoned projects like the Shagari irrigation scheme. He expressed frustration that payments made by farmers into the Treasury Single Account have not been reinvested in maintaining irrigation facilities.

Despite these difficulties, the Authority has received approval to build around 15 earth dams across Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states—a move expected to boost irrigation farming and create jobs for youths. Efforts are also being made to revive other key irrigation schemes, including Bakalori, Dutsinma, and Shagari.

On the issue of flooding, Malam noted that while Goronyo Dam has a capacity of 947 million cubic metres, heavy rainfall can cause inflows exceeding two billion cubic metres. He emphasized the need for urgent desilting but admitted that the cost exceeds the Authority’s current budget.

Despite the challenges, Malam remained hopeful. “If we can secure the area and repair these facilities, farmers will return. With peace, funding, and cooperation, irrigation can once again support food security, employment, and stability—not just in Sokoto but across Nigeria,” he said.